Just over the Hill
Cowboy "Happenin's"...and that ain't no bull!
This is where you go when it gets too quiet for you. It's about 6 minutes down the road. The Roadrunner gives you the real flavor of the locals and hosts year round professional bull riding on the weekends. You can watch them practice for free on Thursday nights. Weekends provide live music and dancing. The restaurant opens at 10AM for breakfast... if you can wait that long.
17 locals recommend
Roadrunner Restaurant
47801 N Black Canyon HwyThis is where you go when it gets too quiet for you. It's about 6 minutes down the road. The Roadrunner gives you the real flavor of the locals and hosts year round professional bull riding on the weekends. You can watch them practice for free on Thursday nights. Weekends provide live music and dancing. The restaurant opens at 10AM for breakfast... if you can wait that long.
Local information
Cave Creek, 30 minutes on a scenic drive, has more of that Western theme. Rustic Buffalo Chips Saloon and restaurant is a family owned place with it's own Wednesday night rodeo. Dance to great live music from the house band Tuesday through Saturday. Lots of family fun during the week, and where the "action" is on the weekends. "Chips" offers free dance lessons. Line dancing on Tuesdays, and couple country dance lessons on Thursdays. Next door to "Chips" is Harolds, where you can get a great steak dinner. There are many other restaurants and western themed shops in down town Cave Creek to explore.
Meanwhile back at the "ranch" you can saddle up for a trail ride.
Lots of different trails to explore. Horse rides for a fee available at The Wranglers' Roost, less than a mile away. (Discounted when you book with us.) Or you can rent ATV's at New River Off Road Rentals down the road a piece. 46202 N Black Canyon Hwy, New River. Opens 7AM (623) 465-7992. (You can even schedule ahead of time at "atvphoenix.com") Or check out the competition closer to Road Runner. Western Offroad Adventures 47802 N Black Canyon Hwy. Opens 8AM, (602) 999-8008) When you're good and hungry stop in for a pizza across the road at El Pizzeria Sports Bar and Grill.
If you want the civilized feel to romp around in, Anthem is 12 minutes away. The Anthem Community Park is super nice, complete with a kiddie train ride. Anthem is where you can take care of business, fix the car etc. There are several places to eat, and regular grocery stores. Go for great BBQ and such (nice salads too) at The Tennessee Grill, or get a yummy burger at Tru Burger Co. For the golfer, there are 3 public golf courses in the area, and for everybody, experience the thrill of a hot air ballon ride while catching a sunrise or sunset.
Only 90 minutes away, world famous Sedona has spectacular mountain vistas in town you can enjoy without ever getting out of your car. But of course, better if you do. Numerous restaurants and shopping to enjoy while gazing most likely with your jaw dropping. The drive through Oak Creek Canyon is a must do, weather you stop there or take the 30 minute drive on up to Flagstaff. Keep going to the Grand Canyon, only a 2 hour drive from here. (We also host a home in Sedona.)
883 locals recommend
Sedona
Only 90 minutes away, world famous Sedona has spectacular mountain vistas in town you can enjoy without ever getting out of your car. But of course, better if you do. Numerous restaurants and shopping to enjoy while gazing most likely with your jaw dropping. The drive through Oak Creek Canyon is a must do, weather you stop there or take the 30 minute drive on up to Flagstaff. Keep going to the Grand Canyon, only a 2 hour drive from here. (We also host a home in Sedona.)
Prescott less than an hour away annually hosts the world's oldest rodeo. They go all out on July 4th weekend. Whisky Row in down town has food, music, country dancing and more, including an old time theater converted to a movie house. Lynx Lake is a lovely place on the outskirts of town where you can dine, fish, walk the perimeter, picnic, or camp. Great mountain hiking trails are right in town.
163 locals recommend
Prescott
Prescott less than an hour away annually hosts the world's oldest rodeo. They go all out on July 4th weekend. Whisky Row in down town has food, music, country dancing and more, including an old time theater converted to a movie house. Lynx Lake is a lovely place on the outskirts of town where you can dine, fish, walk the perimeter, picnic, or camp. Great mountain hiking trails are right in town.
From our place, take the 45 minute drive to Wickenburg. You will want to check out Lake Pleasant on your way as you drive right by it. Swimming, boating, camping are all options. Or keep driving to more of the Old West. Wickenburg is the team roping capital of the world.
A little farther on and you are close enough to visit the Vulture City Ghost town, a deserted mining town from the late 1800's. At this point you may be asking "Why the water pictures?" We live in the desert. You figure it out.
26 locals recommend
Wickenburg
From our place, take the 45 minute drive to Wickenburg. You will want to check out Lake Pleasant on your way as you drive right by it. Swimming, boating, camping are all options. Or keep driving to more of the Old West. Wickenburg is the team roping capital of the world.
A little farther on and you are close enough to visit the Vulture City Ghost town, a deserted mining town from the late 1800's. At this point you may be asking "Why the water pictures?" We live in the desert. You figure it out.
South of Cave Creek is Scottsdale. North Scottsdale has loads of exclusive (expensive) shopping options. Downtown old Scottsdale has more of that western feel. If you are here in February, the annual Parada Del Sol Historic Parade is a popular attraction, which ends with a huge block party for all ages, featuring live concerts, pony rides for kids and more.
385 locals recommend
Scottsdale
South of Cave Creek is Scottsdale. North Scottsdale has loads of exclusive (expensive) shopping options. Downtown old Scottsdale has more of that western feel. If you are here in February, the annual Parada Del Sol Historic Parade is a popular attraction, which ends with a huge block party for all ages, featuring live concerts, pony rides for kids and more.
Neighborhoods
A nostalgic stop on your way north on I 17 is the Rock Springs Cafe', world famous pies.
Black Canyon City
A nostalgic stop on your way north on I 17 is the Rock Springs Cafe', world famous pies.
City advice
Customs and culture
Respect the Desert
Don't hike alone, and pack plenty of water.